referential.

Relating to reference to an entity, concept or content beyond the expression itself.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• referential meaning
• referential link

On the page

The referential link became clear when the earlier passage was restored.

The analysis examined referential meaning without assuming that every named entity actually existed.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic / formal. Forms: Relational or grammatical-status adjective; ordinary degree comparison only where the characteristic genuinely allows it. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: language analysis, sense distinction, word formation analysis, precise reference. Disciplines: academic writing, linguistics, dictionary and usage analysis. Commonness: uncommon.